AR Stripped vs complete lower

[ipser]

What is the legal theory behind selling stripped lowers versus complete lowers? Is it the magazine release or something more? What is the legal distinction here that vendors are relying upon?

(While completing a stripped lower is not that difficult, it's certainly more than most gun buyers are willing to do. When I was at the range recently I was explaining to an ex-marine about CA AW laws and the possibility of building an AR, which he wanted. He was interested but offput by the work required.)

[FastFinger]

For one thing as soon as a grip is added the lower can be classified as an "assault weapon" unless it is so registered or it has a bullet button.

[dfletcher]

For one thing as soon as a grip is added the lower can be classified as an "assault weapon" unless it is so registered or it has a bullet button.

A completely assembled lower with a standard AR mag release (but no upper attached) isn't an AW, it can be configured with a rimfire upper and that's fine. I suppose it could be mistakenly asserted by LE to be an AW.

I think the main reason for the two is simply cost. I won't buy an assembled lower because the stock, the trigger and itspins, trigger guard and such will all be tossed.

[stix213]

For one thing as soon as a grip is added the lower can be classified as an "assault weapon" unless it is so registered or it has a bullet button.

This should not be accurate since without an upper it is not a "center fire semi-automatic" firearm. The owner can just as easily install a rimfire upper or one that is not semi-automatic.

[ipser]

For one thing as soon as a grip is added the lower can be classified as an "assault weapon" unless it is so registered or it has a bullet button.

Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that lowers sold with the pistol grip would have a bullet button.

A completely assembled lower with a standard AR mag release (but no upper attached) isn't an AW, it can be configured with a rimfire upper and that's fine. I suppose it could be mistakenly asserted by LE to be an AW.

I think the main reason for the two is simply cost. I won't buy an assembled lower because the stock, the trigger and itspins, trigger guard and such will all be tossed.

It certainly makes more sense for those interested in customization to buy a stripped lower. Is it simply the case that the market up to now has consisted mainly of those interested in customization? (I have seen a few complete ARs on gun shelves but don't recall ever seeing a complete lower for sale.)

[Joe]

As other have posted above me, a bullet button is NOT required until a centerfire upper is attached. A complete lower can be sold just as readily as a stripped lower.

[ipser]

As other have posted above me, a bullet button is NOT required until a centerfire upper is attached. A complete lower can be sold just as readily as a stripped lower.

So are they being sold as such? Where would I direct someone interested in an AR who doesn't want to build the lower? (Uppers are easily purchased online.) As I mentioned, I haven't seen any so far.

[Reductio]

As other have posted above me, a bullet button is NOT required until a centerfire upper is attached. A complete lower can be sold just as readily as a stripped lower.

*Centerfire semi-automatic upper

[Reductio]

So are they being sold as such? Where would I direct someone interested in an AR who doesn't want to build the lower? (Uppers are easily purchased online.) As I mentioned, I haven't seen any so far.

Riflegear has some here.... to be honest though, I'd just build it, a drunk monkey could figure it out...

[Joe]

So are they being sold as such? Where would I direct someone interested in an AR who doesn't want to build the lower? (Uppers are easily purchased online.) As I mentioned, I haven't seen any so far.

There are many gun stores that sell complete lowers.

You should encourage them to do the assembly though. Its fun and easy as hell. Can you butter toast? Then you can assemble an AR lower.

[ipser]

Riflegear has some here.... to be honest though, I'd just build it, a drunk monkey could figure it out...

Thanks. I see this is a CA company so presumably there will be no issues. I know what you mean but obviously some people would rather not. As ARs move from hobby to mainstream in CA I expect this is going to be more important.

[ipser]

There are many gun stores that sell complete lowers.

Ok, I just hadn't seen any.

You should encourage them to do the assembly though. Its fun and easy as hell. Can you butter toast? Then you can assemble an AR lower.

IIRC, there are some issues with avoding scratching the finish. But, yeah.

[Joe]

If you buy it from them it will be no problem. If you have it sent to another FFL make sure the other FFL is ok with accepting a complete lower with no BB attached. It IS legal, but that doesn't mean the receiving gunshop will be aware of the laws.

[Joe]

Perfect example of the situation I described above:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=427403&highlight=complete

[ipser]

Perfect example of the situation I described above:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...light=complete

Sad.

Thanks everyone for your assistance.